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Math/Science Upward Bound Overview

What is Math/Science Upward Bound?

MATH/SCIENCE UPWARD BOUND is a pre-college program
funded by the U.S. Department of Education. It is
designed to encourage scholars, from low-income
families and/or whose parents did not graduate from a
four-year college, to develop the skills and motivation
necessary for success in college and beyond.

How are students chosen?

MATH/SCIENCE UPWARD BOUND scholars will be selected on
the basis of recommendations by teachers, counselors,
social service agencies, others acquainted with the
scholars’ goals and abilities, and through an interview
conducted by the project staff. Scholars must have a
desire to attend college after high school graduation,
and meet academic and income qualifications.
They must also make a commitment to attend academic year workshops in the evenings and on Saturdays as well as attend a six-week summer session at Pasadena City College each year of their high school career. The goal of the program is for scholars to graduate from a post-secondary institution in the STEM area.

What would I do in Math/Science Upward Bound?

MATH/SCIENCE UPWARD BOUND scholars usually begin the
program during the 9th or 10th grade. Scholars
continue to participate through high school graduation
and acceptance into college. The scholars’ job within
M/S UPWARD BOUND is to maintain regular
attendance in school and attend weekly tutorial
sessions.A scholar must also meet with the M/S
UPWARD BOUND Education Advisor and attend a
specific number of Saturday programs. In the summer,
scholars will attend a four-week summer session on the
PCC campus and a two-week session off-campus which includes a field experience and college tour. The on-campus classes
involve a variety of academic, social, career, and math
and science enrichment activities.
Parents are required to attend
orientation meetings and workshops each semester
and summer. The parent workshops are designed to
be fun and informative.

M/S UPWARD BOUND at PCC will enrich the
background of participating scholars and their
parents by emphasizing math and science enterprises.

The scholars will:

Develop confidence to interact with math/science professionals.

Go on field trips.

Participate in hands-on math and science activities.

Learn test-taking skills and prepare for the SAT.

Participate in team /group and individual projects.

What happens after Math/Science Upward Bound?

While M/S UPWARD BOUND generally stops
at the college door, project staff helps scholars
transition from M/S UPWARD BOUND into
college. The staff works with college admissions
officers, financial aid personnel, and provides
individualized services to help scholars with
successful transfer to college and, eventually,
into their careers.